Protistology 4 (2) 145-148 (2005)
Rate of amoebae dispersion in a model ecosystem
Alexey V. Smirnov
Marine Biological Laboratory University of Copenhagen, Helsingør, Denmark, and
Summary
The dispersion rate of Platyamoeba sp. was estimated in marine aquaria containing 1 cm layer of
sterilized sand. Amoebae were inoculated in the center of the aquarium; the dynamics of their distribution across the aquarium
was monitored and recorded. From eight days to three weeks were sufficient for Platyamoeba sp. to explore a 22 + 30 cm
aquarium. The results suggest a relatively high dispersion rate of amoebae in a 3-D environment.
Key words: amoebae, Platyamoeba, Lobosea, Gymnamoebia, dispersion, mobility
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